Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Cigar Afficionado, please note important news

To explain his vote against children's health, U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart -- I swear this is true -- said he was protecting little businesses that roll cigars. I heard this on NPR Wednesday morning. I forget what the connection was between the vote on SCHIP and small tobacco businesses, and was unable to find it on the WLRN website archives. If anyone else heard it and remembers the link, please come aboard and comment. The reporter also was surprised at what the congressman said and asked for more information. Diaz-Balart said it's true that the businesses are small, but they were making a living and should be protected.

Well, we know now what the congressman thinks of a good smoke. More imporant than getting more children good health care.

UPDATE: The link is that increased tobacco taxes are to fund the widened insurance coverage, and the congressman worries that some cigar rollers will be put out of business.

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